I vote for southest since we have no idea about whether or not darkness of the east path helps or hinders the shadows.

You decide to travel across the plains to the southeast. As you begin to trot forward, you hear the hooves of the unicorns following close behind you, and the strong flapping of dragon wings further back.

Unlike during the peaceful nights in Equestria, you find yourself on edge, surrounded by a darkness that feels almost unnatural. Your throat feels tight, your jaw is clenched, and you eyes dart around instinctively, as if looking for something lurking in the shadows that may or may not be there.

After keeping a steady pace for several minutes, a small red light in the sky stops you in your tracks. You quickly duck behind the largest nearby stone, tailed by the rest of the group, and tentatively peek over the edge of your cover.

You have difficulty making out any clear shapes against the cloudy night sky, other than sort of large red glowing eye with black wings and a long tail. The way the creature phases around erratically reminds you of how the nightcrawler moved in your earlier encounter in the realm of Darkness.

Purple unicorn: "I think that's a nightcrawler. It looks like one of those monsters we saw in the generator room."

Smoke: "Heh. Good thing you brought me along to take care of it!"

As Smoke spreads her wings and prepares to take off — no doubt eager to try out her new weapon —, you motion for her to wait. When she raises a brow, you remind her that if those monsters are linked to Empyrius somehow, then attacking one of them might alert him. She frowns at that.

Smoke: "Oh, come on. I've dealt with these guys before. Better I get rid of it now than risk all of us getting caught, right?"

Surprisingly, she makes a good point. If the nightcrawler is taken down by a lone mischievous dragon, then whoever is behind them might not suspect any ulterior motives. You nod, and ultimately agree to do it her way.

Smoke: "That's what I like to hear!"

With a wide grin back on her snout, Smoke runs out into the field. Then, with a powerful flap of her wings, she shoots up into the air, the blade of her sword glowing hot as it cuts through the wind.

In an instant, the dragon takes the shadowy creature by surprise, hacking and slashing at it before it can so much as blink. The sheer force with which the nightcrawler is torn apart reminds you all too well of your friend's draconic nature. Next to you, the unicorns watch the display in awe.

Within seconds, a large quantity of red sparkles bursts forth from the slain creature, flying westward, and leaving no physical remains behind. Then, as swiftly as she left, Smoke returns to your side, and gracefully twirls the sword around before stowing it.

Smoke: "That felt good! You didn't tell me that this sword was magical. It's pretty awesome!"

You admit that you've never had to draw your weapon, let alone swing it, though you are glad that she could put it to good use. She pats you on the head in response, looking almost sorry for your pacifist lifestyle.

Brown unicorn: "A magical weapon? Is magic also effective against these things? Huh, the more you know…"

From what you've heard, it seems somewhat odd that a common enchanted blade would be effective against nightcrawlers, but you are not knowledgeable enough about either of those things to question it further. For now, it is good enough to know that it worked.

With no more trouble in sight, you resume your mission, and continue heading southwest. By the end of the hour, the volcanic lands of Serpent's Bite finally come into view.

• To the east, a dark cave lies at the foot of a mountain, offering shelter from the frigid wind. What lies within is a mystery, though the thick stone walls could well keep the sounds of digging a secret.

• To the southeast, a valley weaves between ashen crags, with a steaming river running through. While streamside jagged stones offer a promising glimmer, the cliff walls threaten to form a massive echo chamber.

•To the south, the distant light of an outpost oversees a stone quarry, more than likely the property of the Order of Dawn.